Catholic priest known for peace initiatives in Central African Republic shot and killed

BANGASSOU, Central African Republic — A Catholic priest serving in the Diocese of Bangassou in Central African Republic was shot dead in an armed attack in eastern Central African Republic. A parishioner accompanying him was seriously wounded.

Father Crépin Martial Monga, pastor of St. John the Baptist Zémio Parish in the Bangassou Diocese, was killed Monday, June 29, as he returned to the rectory.

According to local and diocesan sources, the attack occurred around 6:43 p.m. local time on the road linking a checkpoint of the Central African Armed Forces to the parish residence.

He was struck in the head and died instantly. A female parishioner traveling with him was also hit by a bullet in the neck. She was rushed to the hospital in Zémio, where she remains in intensive care.

Medical personnel say her condition is critical and she may require evacuation to a better-equipped facility.

Authorities have not yet identified those responsible for the attack, and no group has claimed responsibility. The circumstances and motives remain unclear as investigations continue.

Bangassou Bishop Aurelio Gazzera paid tribute to the slain priest, highlighting his commitment to peace.

“This is a tremendous loss for the local community and for the Diocese of Bangassou,” he said.

Gazzera praised the priest’s constant commitment to peace and reconciliation in the region.

The bishop noted that at the time of his statement, gunfire was still being heard in Zémio, a volatile security situation that currently makes it difficult to gather precise information on the exact circumstances of the tragedy.

Beyond his pastoral ministry, Monga was actively engaged in peace-building efforts in the region. He served on the Local Committee for Peace and Reconciliation, working to promote dialogue, social cohesion, and reconciliation among communities affected by conflict.

He was widely known as a man of peace, committed entirely to his pastoral mission. His “weapons,” as described by those who knew him, were the Bible and the rosary, and his mission was to serve communities affected by prolonged instability.

Serving in the conflict-affected Zémio region, he was recognized for his closeness to the people, his kindness, and his dedication to families facing hardship.

Only hours before his death, Monga was still actively engaged in pastoral care. On June 28, he administered the sacrament of baptism to 175 candidates, including 160 displaced Christians from his parish who had been accommodated in Zapay from June 27–29.

On the morning of June 29, the priest accompanied the newly baptized to the banks of the Mbomou River before returning with them — his final pastoral act before the attack that evening.

Monga’s funeral is scheduled to take place July 1 at St. Peter Claver Cathedral in the Bangassou Diocese.

This story was first published by ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, and has been adapted by EWTN News.

Source: https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/africa/catholic-priest-known-for-peace-initiatives-in-central-african-republic-shot-and-killed